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Finding Direction in Uncertainty: An Interview with Joey Tseng, Athlete Career Coach

Finding Direction in Uncertainty: An Interview with Joey Tseng, Athlete Career Coach

July 19,2022

Author : Unistar

Athletes have coaches to guide them during competitions, but who supports them when they face life's toughest decisions, like choosing a career after sports?

Joey Tseng (曾荃鈺) might be the answer. A passionate storyteller and educator, Joey is the host of the radio show Joey Radio, where he interviews athletes weekly, and a frequent guest speaker at National Taiwan Sport University. He’s also known as the mentor behind Olympic judo silver medalist Yang Yung-wei’s “goal grid” mindset. A bestselling author, two-time Golden Bell Awards nominee, and one of The News Lens’s “Top 20 Future Leaders Under 35,”

運動員生涯規劃師曾荃鈺

Joey now carries a new title he’s deeply committed to: Athlete Career Development Coach..

Stitching Resources to Create a Unique Role

Joey’s energetic voice and magnetic presence allow him to move effortlessly between roles. What sets him apart is his ability to connect disparate resources and draw clear career pathways tailored to athletes’ strengths.Surprisingly, Joey isn’t an athlete himself. Originally aiming to study psychology in college, he ended up in physical education at National Taiwan Sport University—a decision met with skepticism from relatives who questioned what a career in sports could lead to. But instead of feeling defeated, he leaned in. “I just accepted it,” he says with a smile, “and made the most of it.” He expanded his skill set by studying media and communications, becoming a certified mind map instructor, entering competitions, and gradually paving his way into sports broadcasting and education.

運動員生涯規劃師曾荃鈺

Joey Tseng hosted the podcast "Joey Radio" and was twice shortlisted for the Golden Bell Award for Educational and Cultural Program Hosts..

Turning His Own Confusion into a System to Support Athletes

Joey considers himself an action-taker, someone who believes in doing first, then refining later.
His close interactions with athletes during university, along with interviews with over 150 athletes and coaches, led him to one conclusion: every athlete struggles with career planning.Athletes Based Career Development Association,its mission, boldly stated on its website, is “to support athletes through life’s challenges with methods and strategies.”.

運動員生涯規劃講師培訓課

Joey uses his background in education, sports, and media to help athletes not only identify their goals but also build sustainable career systems beyond the playing field.

Effort Isn’t Enough. Strategy Matters More!

In recent years, Taiwan’s interest in sports has soared, especially following the Tokyo Olympics, which briefly turned even casual viewers into passionate fans. Yet behind every medal is a story of years of unseen sweat and sacrifice. And for most athletes, even those who excel, retirement is inevitable. The question is always the same: “Should I stick to what I’ve trained for all my life, or find a new path?” “Without sports, who am I?”

Joey, once lost himself, has seen many athletes go from celebrated to sidelined, lost, and demoralized once the spotlight fades.

“An athlete’s greatest limitation can be their past glory,” Joey explains. “If they cling too tightly to their former achievements or work hard in the wrong direction, their efforts could backfire.”

The course content of the Athletic Career Planning Instructor Training Program allows participants to write down their career concerns at the beginning of the course, and to discuss and solve the problems with the participants through the 40-hour course.

From Confusion to Clarity: Role Models Matter

So, how do you build a strategy for life after sports? In June 2022, ABCDA completed its first Career Planning Instructor Training Program, bringing together 17 athletes from diverse backgrounds. The goal? To empower athletes through peer mentorship and role models they can relate to. Participants included: Cheng Kai-Ying, now a scout for the CTBC Brothers baseball team. Hsieh Yun-Ting, a former top-tier basketball player turned motion graphics artist. Liang Ze-Jing, once Taiwan’s 100m sprint record holder, is now a columnist and talent manager.

曾荃鈺與運動員生涯規劃發展協會第一屆生涯規劃講師們

Jasper Tsang and the First Training Athletes' Career Planning Lecturers.

The program included practical training like resume writing, digital tools, presentation skills, as well as “CEO luncheons” where participants had direct conversations with business leaders.::

“We want athletes to see their influence,” says Joey, “and inspire others through their growth.”

Set a Goal, Break It Down, Move Forward

Joey emphasizes that the first step in career planning is identifying your goal. The association helps athletes deconstruct that goal into actionable steps, based on how athletes best learn: by doing.He says,::

“We’re not here to tell athletes what they should do,” Joey explains. “We want to create a space where they discover it themselves. The ones who grow with us are those who take ownership of their future.”

ABCDA’s sessions are hands-on: participants review and critique each other’s resumes, engage in discussions, and leave with real feedback, not just inspiration.

Building Personal Brands to Reduce External Dependence

“Personal branding” has become a buzzword in modern career development. But Joey warns that many misunderstand it.::

“Even if you’re just lying in bed all day, that’s part of your personal brand,” he laughs. “Personal branding isn’t about monetizing your social media—it’s about lowering your reliance on outside systems.”

Too often, athletes believe they only have one path: become a coach. But Joey stresses that the job market is evolving. Some careers are disappearing while new ones are emerging. The only way to maintain control is to invest in your capabilities, not just your past achievements.

運動員生涯規劃講師培訓課

Athletic career planning instructor training program, invited Business Week's famous proposal expert, Tristate Advertising General Manager Mr. Huang Chi-Jing, to share the key elements of personal branding and proposal. The content is brilliant and practical..

Differentiation Is Key: Find Your Edge

ABCDA is a one-of-a-kind nonprofit in Taiwan, focused solely on athlete career development. Joey admits some people see his work as too idealistic. But that idealism is rooted in realism. He calls his approach a “downgraded advantage”, not because he’s better than others, but because times have changed.::

“You can’t wait for every light to turn green. You have to move.”x

Joey hopes to expand ABCDA beyond Taiwan, supporting young athletes around the world who feel lost after retirement. His path, blending broadcasting, education, mentorship, and leadership, is proof that diverse career trajectories are possible. If you're unsure about your future, maybe it's time to take a page from Joey's book: embrace change, explore multiple paths, and most of all, use your difference as your strength.

曾荃鈺與運動員生涯規劃發展協會第一屆生涯規劃講師們

Jasper Tsang and the First Training Athletes' Career Planning Lecturers.

For more association stories, pleaseuntilAssociation website:Athletes Career Planning and Development Association of the Republic of China (ACPDAC) Association FB
Jasper Tsang FB

Unistar

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